COFFEE SUPPLIERS/ROASTERS
Welcome to the robusta revolution Wycliffe Sande is the founder of Blue Turaco – and he travels to Uganda personally to guarantee great-tasting coffee. We talked exclusively with this farmer on a mission. Robusta coffee is very much in vogue, despite previously being considered less ‘attractive’ than arabica. Why such a change in perception? Is the blend with milkier drinks a factor? Most consumers drink a coffeeflavoured milk drink where the different flavours of arabica are lost. This is why many blends and Italian coffees often have a Ugandan robusta influence. Now the coffee world has realised robusta has many levels of quality and the very best can stand out in the cup, cutting through the milk to deliver a real flavour punch. Talk to us about the decrease in arabica production over the next 20 years. Do you see a market opportunity for robusta? All coffee is under pressure from many factors – from climate change to a decrease in coffee prices and an ageing farming population. Robusta is already booming in large coffee producers such as Brazil and Vietnam, and the specialty grades found in Uganda will 24
only increase global appetite. Robusta is beginning to be treated like arabica, with more attention to detail in the growing, processing and roasting of coffees, unlocking its potential. Highquality robusta isn’t being grown quickly enough to fill the gaps arabica is struggling with – and only the best farmer-led techniques, while investing in long-term knowledge and skills, will allow premium robusta to flourish.
"Robusta is beginning to be treated like arabica, with more attention to detail in the growing, roasting and processing."
How important are your relationships with cafés and coffee houses? It is still incredible how the UK coffee scene has boomed over the past 20 years, with independent powerhouses like The Gentleman Baristas and WatchHouse offering great drinks and outstanding service. The two are inseparable – and amazing hospitality staff are worth their weight in gold. After such a journey, each coffee needs to be served at is best, and by investing in staff through training and support, what goes in the cup won’t leave a bitter taste for anyone.
What do you think the café/coffee house customer is looking for today, in terms of hot drink consumption? I love this question, as despite all the fads around coffee, the answer for me is always value for money. Although it can be made and served in different ways, every budget can be catered for. We all like a special treat, and sometimes a coffee is just that simple luxury that delivers a little boost to your day or a moment of sensory enjoyment to refresh mind and body.
CAFÉ LIFE | THECAFELIFE.CO.UK
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08/02/2024 17:31